Balancing work and studies is no easy feat, yet thousands of students nationwide continue to persevere.

In recognition of their dedication, the Philippines celebrated its first-ever National Working Students Day on 21 March to honor students who manage the difficult task of juggling employment and education. From an inspiring panel discussion with industry professionals to a rapid networking session with leading employers, the Ayala Malls Circuit event was jam-packed with inspiration and opportunity.

The celebration highlighted MMDC’s Outstanding Working Students, whose dedication inspires others. Student clubs and entrepreneurs brought the spirit with booths, exhibiting their passions and enterprises, proving that hustling and creativity go hand in hand.

In line with this milestone, MMDC has introduced Career Leap Pad, a fully online certification program aimed at equipping working students with specialized skills to thrive in the gig economy and beyond.

“Just keep going, there’s a community supporting you and empowering you. All of your hard work will be worth it,” said Joshua David Villanueva, MMDC’s corporate communications and partnerships manager.

The Career Leap Pad program is designed to provide working students, job seekers and career shifters with the tools and knowledge they need to advance their careers. By offering micro-credential courses across key industries, MMDC aims to empower participants to either progress in their current fields or transition smoothly into new sectors.

No college degree is required to start as Career Leap Pad equips students with practical skills and certifications that are highly sought after by today’s employers.

The program targets three main groups: job seekers without prior work experience, professionals aiming for promotion and individuals looking to shift to new industries. According to MMDC, the Career Leap Pad is useful for those looking to enter high-demand sectors such as virtual assistance, marketing and technology.

For first-time job seekers, the program provides essential skills and micro-credentials that can boost employability and help them secure their first job. Meanwhile, working professionals who wish to move up in their organizations can use the certifications to strengthen their qualifications and take on higher roles.

Career shifters are also expected to benefit from the program, as the industry-aligned courses provide them with the skills and confidence necessary to transition into new career paths.

Enrollment for the program is open from the 1st to the 20th of every month, with classes beginning on the 1st of the following month. The first batch of enrollees will begin classes this April. Course fees range from P5,000 to P9,000 per program.

“Career Leap Pad is a certification programs built for you,” said  Grace Gundran, underscoring how the initiative is tailored to the unique needs of working students and career shifters.

MMDC also used the launch to pay tribute to working students across the country, describing them as “the backbone of the workforce and the country’s future leaders.”

 “The journey is not easy, but your dedication is inspiring. You are not alone — you have a whole community supporting you,” MMDC added.

The launch of Career Leap Pad is part of MMDC’s broader mission to make flexible, skills-based education more accessible to Filipinos amid a rapidly changing job market.